US prepares ban on cotton and tomato imports from China
Fresh Tomato
Francielle Rozzatti
Published Sep 9, 2020
US customs and border protection officials have prepared orders to block imports of cotton and tomato products from the Xinjiang region of China on charges of forced labor, although a formal announcement has been postponed due to “ schedule issues ”.
The ban on imports of cotton, tomatoes and five other types of products on charges of forced labor in Xinjiang would be an unprecedented decision, likely to create tension between the world's two largest economies. The border agency may stop shipments based on the suspected use of forced labor using old laws to combat human trafficking, child labor and other human rights abuses.
In Beijing, a Foreign Ministry spokesman called the order a pretext to target Chinese companies. "I think the United States doesn't care about human rights," said Zhao Lijian in response to a question. "They are just using this as a pretext to oppress Chinese companies, destabilize Xinjiang and defame Chinese politics in Xinjiang," he said at a news conference.
The effects of the bans can be far-reaching for American clothing and footwear retailers and producers, as well as food producers.
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